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Owen Duffy doesn’t think Dominic Donegan will be ready for 2019 all-Cavan clash


Owen Duffy [3(2)-0] has his sights set on a the Irish light middleweight title and doesn’t believe a fight with Dominic Donegan will help him achieve his main 2019 goal.

One of a raft of new new Boxing Ireland signings, Donegan called out his fellow Cavan fighter in his first interview with Irish-Boxing.com.

The Irish Army champion, who set himself a two-year Irish title goal, claims it’s a county derby the fans want to see, a repeat of a contentious amateur meeting, and believes it’s the perfect headliner to bring boxing back to Cavan with. 

“He says himself he wants to take boxing back to Cavan, so let’s give them the fight the fans want,” said Donegan.

“We are in the entertainment business now. Owen is doing very well in his career and puts in a lot of hard work so hats off to him but it would be great for him to have a challenge,” the Drumgoon puncher told this site last week.

READ: Introducing: Dominic Donegan

Shercock’s Duffy, who turned over early last year and is starting to build real momentum under the Assassin banner, admires his county colleague’s confidence and approach, but doesn’t see the benefit in the fight as of yet.

‘The Butcher’ wants to win the Irish title before 2019 is done and wants to do so on a show in Cavan. Considering Donegan has yet to trade leather as a pro – he is expected to debut on ‘Celtic Clash 8’ – Duffy believes a fight between the pair would represent a step back and can’t see how a meeting of Cavan light middles would help him secure the Irish title shot.

“He hasn’t even had his debut yet so I’m sure he’ll want to get a bit of experience under his belt first,” Duffy told Irish-Boxing.com.

The Celtic Warriors prospect moves up to six rounds next month in London and is aiming for a homecoming in 2019.

A BUI Celtic title fight over eight rounds had been the initial suggestion for a dinner show in Cavan but now Duffy is looking at the Irish belt currently held by stablemate Craig O’Brien.

Donegan, Duffy feels, won’t be able to make up a four-fight disadvantage in time to provide Irish title opposition this year but he doesn’t mind his local rival calling for the clash.

The former Crumlin and Carrickmacross amateur noted how “I admire any man who’s got ambition, who’s willing to step outside their comfort zone.”

“At this stage I’m looking at progressing, stepping up a level each time and becoming an Irish champion this year,” he added before saying never say never.

“I think we’re at different levels right now but you never know. We’ll see what the year brings.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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